– by Imari from the Philippines, mother working in Dubai and father in Saudi Arabia

Having a parent abroad is very difficult for us children. Sometimes we get teased by other children.

They would say hurtful things like “Your parents left you because they don’t love you.” I just pretend to not hear them.

Many of us are left at an early age and have to be responsible by doing household chores like washing the dishes, sweeping the floor and sometimes washing our clothes. It’s hard to have an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) parent because there’s none to encourage you and to support you through life. But I have my parents to thank because I encourage myself with their hard work and them not being here. Before I didn’t understand why they had to leave. Now I understand why they left, for us to have a good future.

I am thankful for my parents and I am proud to say that they are OFWs.